Means-Tested Winter Fuel Payment Draws Criticism

The UK Government's recent decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, restricting it to those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, has sparked widespread criticism and concern. The change, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aims to save £1.4 billion but is expected to affect millions of pensioners, reducing recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million. In Scotland, the decision has led to the delay of a replacement Scottish benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, until 2025-26, with estimates indicating that around 900,000 Scots will no longer receive the support. Charities warn that the cuts will leave many elderly people struggling to pay their heating bills, with Age UK launching a petition that has garnered over 325,000 signatures. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is also urging pensioners to switch from Tax Credits to Pension Credits or Universal Credit to avoid losing out on vital financial support. The DWP has started sending out closure notices, giving pensioners a three-month window to apply for the new benefits or risk losing their entitlements.